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Stingy Offensive Line Will Be Tested

December 21st, 2012

Chris Long (pictured) and fellow Rams defensive end Robert Quinn will give the Bucs’ offensive line a major test Sunday.

Few offensive lines in the NFL have been ravaged by injuries like the Bucs’ this year. And while the line is beginning to show cracks and wear and tear in its ability to rush block, thus far Josh Freeman’s jersey isn’t getting too filthy.

Despite having just two starters on the line they started training camp with, one of which, Jeremy Zuttah, was moved to left guard to help patch holes, the Bucs offensive line is 11th in the NFL in sacks allowed with 32.

But this weekend will be a challenge, Bucs right tackle Demar Dotson admitted to Joe. Sunday, the Rams invade the Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway with stud ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn, who have a combined 17 sacks.

“They have two very good defensive ends; these guys play hard,’ Dotson said. “These guys bring it off the edge. It’s going to be a job Sunday. But, every week is a job.

“The thing is, they pass rush so well. They want to play the pass. That is their main focus.”

One step to reaching that goal, Dotson thought, was that Bucs coach Greg Schiano awarded the Bucs a Victory Monday, without the victory, thinking the team needed a mental break after getting woodshedded by the Saints last week.

Dotson thinks that was a smart move.

“The day off was big,” Dotson said. “We got a chance to rest and flush that game from our mind.”

Joe has to give it to Dotson. “Flush” is the appropriate verb for last week’s game.